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By Gene R. Reid

The contract objective is the development of an Automatic Fire Control System for Mobile Underground Metal Mining Equipment. The Phase I Report, which described the projected data handling plan, was published on July 24, 1975. The Phase II effort covered the period from July 24 through December 2 and accomplished the following objectives: ? Acquisition of data in accordance with the project data handling plan. Data were acquired through visits to twenty mine sites in ten states and Canada; visits to Bureau of Mines and MESA facilities; visits to mobile equipment manufacturers; and an extensive literature search. ? Analysis of accumulated data which provided the following specific types of design inputs: selection of the type of mobile underground equipment found to represent the greatest overall fire hazard; typical operating conditions for the vehicle; characteristics of the reported fire experiences; and performance, cost and maintenance factors affecting potential purchases of automatic fire control systems for underground mining equipment. ? Development of the AFCS design concept. Utilizing the data analysis results and considering the state-of-the-art of fire control system components, a recommended design concept was developed with particular emphasis placed on the need for a low cost and reliable system. Design trade-off studies are provided for the recommended system and for four alternate system concepts.

Jan 1, 1975

By Rollie P. Dobyns

The K.M.A. reservoir was discovered to be oil bearing at a depth of 3,719 feet on March 11, 1931. Extensive development, however, was not begun immediately, because the discovery well had a low initial daily oil production, and market conditions for oil were unfavorable. Development of the field progressed slowly for the next 6.5 years. In the latter part of 1937, a wildcat well approximately 2 miles southwest of the discovery well was drilled on a magnetometer high and completed with an initial flowing production of 2,018 barrels of 430 A.P.I.-gravity oil in 12 hours. Rapid development of the southwestern part of the K.M.A. field was begun immediately and continued until over 700 wells were drilled and approximately 12,500 acres proved oil productive. Because of the large size of the entire K.M.A. field, this report is limited in scope to the southwestern part only, and the discussion that follows pertains to this area only. The closing date for production statistics is August 1, 1949. The K.M.A.? structure is a complex anticline having a maximum closure of 250 feet, and the K.M.A. formation is composed of sediments that grade from limestone through sandy lime and limy sand to sandstone with thin streaks of shale. Two "distinct members of the K.M.A. formation, zone I and zone II, are oil productive. Core analyses indicate the average porosity to be 16.5 percent for zone I and 16.1 percent for zone II. A relationship was established from core data, which showed the correlative permeabilities to be 42.1 millidarcys for zone I and 39.5 millidarcys for zone II, whereas the arithmetical averages of the permeabilities were 84 millidarcys for zone I and 216 millidarcys for zone II. Connate-water saturations were 17.5 percent for zone I and 20.0 percent for zone II. The porosity-saturation method, using a thickness-correction factor, was employed to calculate the volume of 168.1 million barrels of stock-tank oil initially in place in the reservoir. Analyses of the reservoir oil indicate that, although the initial reservoir pressure was 1,750 p.s.i., the original reservoir oil was saturated to only 1,300 p.s.i., at which pressure 1 barrel of stock-tank oil contained 525 cubic feet of ea~ in solution.

Jan 1, 1952

By C. Travis Anderson

"Nickel is an essential metal in stainless steel, armor plate, and nickel steels and also in nonferrous alleys, such as monel metal and cupre-nickel, which are used in marine service. Nickel is one of the metals that must be greatly restricted in civilian use to provide the amounts needed for our War program. Consequently, it is desirable to investigate every possible substitute.The 5-cent coin no z in use contains 2.3 percent nickel. At the end of 1941, about 450 tons of nickel was being consumed annually to produce these coins. If the nickel used for that purpose in 9141 had been diverted to military use, 15,000 tons of armor plate could have been produced. As nickel is vitally needed for military as well as essential civilian products, it would seem desirable to substitute some other alloy for the 25 percent nickel alloy now being used. The Bureau of Mines has been asked to suggest possible substitutes.The substitute should have physical properties similar to the alloy now being used. It should have a metallic appearance and ring and a reasonably white color, so to be distinguishable from the present 1-cent coin. It should also be reasonably resistant to corrosion."

Aug 1, 1942

By J. W. Allen

This report reviews the work performed on Task M of Bu-Mines Contract H0220073 to develop an engineering model of a surface and subsurface communications system for normal mine operations and for post disaster rescue operations. The system concept provides for one-way transmission of digital information between a number of identifiable subsurface terminals or subcenters and a single surface station. It also provides 2-way voice communications between the subcenters and the surface station. The basic communications link is electromagnetic signaling through-the-earth, but the system is also capable of using mine phone lines as an alternate link. Engineering models of three subcenters and one surface terminal (see Figure 1-1) have been fabricated in order to demonstrate the system's performance. The system concept, however, permits up to 20 subcenters to be incorporated if desired. Additional subcenters are also feasible for large mines if they can be deployed in the mine to operate on a noninterfering basis.

Jan 1, 1973

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1978, 12 companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, with 3 firms accounting for 65% of production capacity. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 31% of the total capacity; Gulf Coast States 23%; Northern States 26%; and other Southern States 20%. Based on published producer prices, output of primary metal in 1978 was valued at $5 billion. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1978, building accounted for about 25%; packaging 22%; transportation 23%; electrical 11%; consumer durables 8%; and other uses 11%.

Jan 1, 1979

By S. Akhtar

Interstitial compounds of iron, cobalt, and nickel, and their binary and ternary mixtures with silver, gold, palladium, and platinum were prepared and tested as fuel cell catalysts. The first step in the preparation of the interstitial compounds consisted of preparing finely divided metals. This was done either by the Raney method or by reduction of precipitated hydroxides of the metals. The finely divided reduced metals were then treated with carbon-and/or nitrogen-containing gases to prepare their carbides, nitrides, and nitrocarbides. The materials were tested for cathodic activity towards O2 and for anodic activity towards H2, C3H8, NH3, CO, and N2H4 in acid and alkaline electrolytes at 25° to 90° C in half-cell assemblies. Samples of carbided and nitrocarbided INi-lAg-1Au were about one fifth as active as Pt-black in the reduction of O2 in 35 percent KOH solution, whereas the activities of several interstitial preparations exceeded the activity of Pt-black in the reduction of O2 in 12M KOH containing N2H4. Nitrocarbides of x-Fe2C, 3Ni-1Au, and 1Ni-3Au were effective catalysts for oxidizing N2H4 in liquid NH3 containing NH4SCN. Corrosion of the catalysts by electrolytes was severe in many cases.

Jan 1, 1970

By Arthur Matzick

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Jan 1, 1966

The Aluminum Company of America (Alcoa) announced plans to shut down production at the remaining two potlines at its Point Comfort, Texas primary aluminum smelter due to the increased costs of natural gas. Total capacity of the facility, which had been partially closed since 1976, was 185,000 tons per year representing 3.6 percent of current capacity in the United States. There were practically no price movements in March on 99.5 percent aluminum ingot, with producers at 53¢ per pound and dealers, 48¢-48.5¢. BISMUTH The March selling position of U.S. producer metal was held at $3.50 per pound. In contrast, east coast dealers and traders adjusted their quotes from $2.55-$2.60 to a wider range of $2.40-$2.60.

Jan 1, 1978

By Charles W. Merrill

The U .S. Treasury stocks of silver have been reduced at such a rapid rate to meet industrial and coinage requirements that they face exhaustion in 3 or 4 years. Alleviation of the silver problem will require increasing supply or reducing demand. This paper examines possible long-range resource development and research programs and improved secondary recovery. The possible reduction or elimination of silver in coinage and development and introduction of substitutes in the arts and industry are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1965

By Charles W. Merrill

The U.S. Treasury stocks of silver have been reduced at such a rapid rate to meet industrial and coinage requirements that they face exhaustion in 3 or 4 years. Alleviation of the silver problem will require increasing supply or reducing demand. This paper examines possible long-range resource development and research programs and improved secondary recovery. The possible reduction or elimination of silver in coinage and development and introduction of substitutes in the arts and industry are also discussed.

Jan 1, 1965

By William H. Pomroy

The potential for large-scale fires in underground fuel storage and fuel transfer areas prompted the Bureau of Mines to study fire hazards in these areas and devise improved fire safety technology for use in these areas. This report describes the Bureau's research to characterize and quantify fire hazards in fuel storage and fuel transfer areas, develop guidelines for safe and efficient fueling system design, prepare specifications for automatic fire sensing and suppression systems for these areas, test prototype systems in the laboratory and in underground mines, and perform cost-effectiveness evaluations of the devised technology.

Jan 1, 1985

By John G. Parker

The rare-earth elements, sometimes known as the lanthanides, comprise the series of 15 chemically similar elements with atomic numbers 57 through 71. Yttrium, with atomic number 39, is often included in the group, because its properties are similar and it more often than not occurs in association with the lanthanides. Thorium is included in this survey due to its close association with the lanthanides, particularly in the mineral monazite. The lanthanides were first recognized as elements around 1750 and were the subject of much study by chemists during the 19th century. The purely chemical methods then available failed to resolve the strange intimate relationships between these elements, and it was not until about 1920 that the full series was explained.

Jan 1, 1971

By H. H. Heady

This Bureau of Mines report provides specific information regarding the analysis of ores, concentrates, and bullion. It describes analytical services provided by some Federal agencies, and discusses analytical techniques applicable to the precious metals. The appendixes list Bureau of Mines State Liaison Offices and commercial assay laboratories.

Jan 1, 1976

Reynolds Metals Company announced plans to increase its rate of production of primary aluminum by 17 thousand tons per year by the end of February. Other producers were expected to increase operating rates during the first quarter of 1976 (see table 10 pg. 29). CHROMIUM -Under the Trade Act of 1974, a petition was filed July 16, 1975, with the U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) by the Tool and Stainless Steel Industry Committee for Import Relief and the United Steelworkers of America, AFL-CIO, for import relief for certain stainless and alloy tool steel products. The Commission determined on January 16, 1976, in a report to the President, that increased quantities of imports of stainless steel sheet and strip, plate, bar, and rod and alloy tool steel except ingots, blooms, billets, slabs, and sheet bars were a substantial cause of serious injury or threat thereof. The Commission recommended import quotas for the period 1976 through 1980. The President has 2 months in which to act, with his decision subject to a Congressional override.

Jan 1, 1976

A new series of reports called ?Mineral Perspectives" (MP's) has been initiated by the Bureau of Mines with the publication of MP-1 titled, "Far East and South Asia" by K.P. Wang and the staff of the Bureau of Mines. This new series parallels the creation of the recently announced "Minerals Commodity Profiles" (MCP?s). Both series are designed to provide current information on important sectors of the mineral economy to assist professionals in government, industry, and education in monitoring supply-demand relationships that have significant impact on our domestic economy as well as on the international scene. The orientation of the "Mineral Perspective" series is a geographic one which examines the mineral situation of a region or a country. The "Mineral Commodity Profile? series examines individual mineral commodities. They are in this sense complementary.

Jan 1, 1977

By A. D. McMahon

This survey is one of a series of Bureau of Mines publications designed to serve the needs of Government and industry for comprehensive information on mineral commodities and activities. Copper, a versatile metal, has been vital to all civilizations from pre-historic times to the present. Its essential value in antiquity and until the nineteenth century arose from its malleability and ease of working, its corrosion resistance and durability, its attractive colors in alloyed and unalloyed forms, and, of course, its availability. The principal uses were for tools, utensils, vessels, weapons, pipe, statuary and other objects of art, and for building and architectural purposes where formability, permanence, and beauty were necessary qualities. Utilization of copper based on these physical and mechanical properties has grown tremendously for commercial, structural, mechanical, architectural, and art items; and its capacity for forming numerous alloys has led to a myriad of applications from miniature copper and brass eyelets to huge bronze battleship propellers. The early nineteenth century marks the epoch of the greatest use of copper, transmitting electrical energy. This particular property of copper is fundamental to the spectacular growth of the electrical industry and all associated industries relying on electricity for power, light, and heat. More than half of all copper produced is used for transmission of electricity.

Jan 1, 1964

This report presents the results of a study of mill tailings disposal practices and potential tailings dam stability problems. Recognizing the long period of time that would be required to develop the technology and practices necessary to significantly improve refuse disposal safety, the Bureau initiated this research effort as a first step in that development. Volume 1 includes a summary of conclusions and recommendations resulting from the overall research effort; discussions of disposal systems and methods, geology, seismicity, hydrology, and materials characteristics; evaluations of investigational techniques; discussions of usable interim generalized investigational, analytical and inspection procedures; discussion of general principles and presentation of a tailings technology manual outline; and discussion of needed future research am recommended programs.

Jan 1, 1974

1. Domestic Production and Use: In 1974 twelve companies operated 31 primary aluminum reduction plants, three firms accounting for 64% of production. Washington, Oregon, and Montana accounted for 32% of the total production; Gulf Coast States, 24%; Northern States, 33%, and other Southern States 11%. Output of primary metal in 1974 was valued at $3.4 billion. About 80% of the secondary recovery was from new aluminum base scrap and 20% was from old scrap. Aluminum consumption by 25,000 firms was centered in the East Central United States. Of aluminum consuming industries in 1974, building accounted for about 27%; transportation 19%; electrical, 13%; packaging, 15%; and consumer durab1es, 9%.

Jan 1, 1975

By Sean Gallagher

This report was written in an effort to provide better control measures for low back pain (LBP) and low back disability in the mining industry. There are numerous factors associated with development of LBP, many of which can be effectively controlled while some cannot. Better job design is promoted as the best method of reducing cases of LBP and can also reduce the disability (i.e., lost time from work) associated with LBP when it happens. The report draws attention to what is currently known about LBP, what the causes are thought to be, and discusses recent back injury trends in the mining industry. Research describing unique physical demands in mining, such as the capabilities and limitations of working in awkward postures, is also presented. Methods that can be used to prevent initial LBP episodes are provided, including facilities design and layout for materials and supplies, use of mechanical-assist devices, improved design of lifting tasks, and better seat design. Methods of reducing the disability associated with LBP (including workplace design, proactive return-to-work efforts, communication, and management commitment) are also discussed. The report concludes that control of LBP and disability in mining requires a comprehensive approach to limit the repetitive loading that can occur on the low back due to manual materials-handling tasks and exposure to whole-body vibration (WBV). Specific recommendations include the following: ? Successful LBP prevention efforts require a proactive program that has strong management commitment and incorporates employee involvement. ? More efficient supply handling systems and use of mechanical-assist devices can greatly reduce exposure to hazardous lifting tasks. ? Lifting tasks should be designed to minimize low back stress. Tools to evaluate and redesign lifting tasks are presented. ? Improved seat design can reduce exposure to WBV and improve posture, leading to reduced LBP risk. ? The disability associated with LBP can be reduced. Getting the worker back on the job as quickly as possible is in the interest of everyone involved.

Sep 1, 2008

By NEFE NONE

Possible New U.S. Half-Dollar. - Tile George Washington Commemorative Coin Act, H.R. 3133, was introduced in the House and approved by the House Banking Committee. It would allow the minting of at least 10 million commemorative silver half-dollars the size of the same coin produced before 1965. A companion bill, S. 1228, was introduced in the Senate. Taxes and the U.S. Minerals Industry. - The General Accounting Office completed a report to Congress on "Assessing the Impact of Federal and State Taxes On the Domestic Minerals Industry." the study presents a quantitative method to assess the effect of taxes on profitability, and suggests ways to use taxes or tax credits to help marginal mine operations and possibly to increase mineral production, Limited copies of the 139-page report are available free of charge from U.S. General Accounting Office, Documents Handling & Information Sevices Facility, P.O. Box 6015 Gaithersburg, Md. 20760.

Jan 1, 1981